Some clarifications on our emergency funeral fund campaign (thread)
It came to my attention that some people were confused by various messages circulating online regarding Muslim funeral services in the NYC area and how it related to our campaign.
It is a difficult time for a lot of us, especially those who have lost loved ones or are fearful of losing someone. Not knowing what is taking place can heighten anxiety. If anything from my end added to that for any of you, please do forgive me for that.
Our project launchgood.com/EmergencyFuner… is a legitimate campaign, proceeds from which will be going to a few different funeral homes and services in the NYC area inshallah to help facilitate and streamline their operations in the unique situation we all find ourselves in these days.
Funds will be used to assist those who otherwise could not afford the cost of burial plots and other expenses, acquiring more vehicles to assist with transport, and purchase much-need protective gear, sanitizers and disinfectants for those doing this important work.
The brothers and sisters who are working for funeral homes and services in NYC and other parts of the country are beyond overwhelmed.
It's important for all of us to recognize the difficulty of the work itself and what it must be like to absorb the experiences that they have been faced with literally around the clock since all of this started and will continue to face for weeks to come.
When we add to that the prism of religious responsibility they carry with them, the stress is likely unimaginable. Compassion is a necessary component and we should empathetically understand what is conveyed to us by those on the ground and on the frontlines wherever possible.
I would also encourage clarity from the city and our mayor on what is actually happening with burial processes in general as the number of individuals of all backgrounds who pass from COVID-19, including those whose practice Islam, continues to increase.
I can't imagine what it's like to run NYC right now and be responsible for so many things. It's an unprecedented time that requires all of us coming together for the common good on real principles of mercy, love, understanding and hope.
Nonetheless, those of us who are in authoritative roles have responsibility to those that we serve and this question of what will happen to unclaimed bodies will continued to be asked and articles such as this bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
and many others will continue to be released until definitive policy is outlined. Saying something is not going to happen is not the same as saying what actually will happen.
We are going to continue to raise funds for our Emergency Funeral Fund for the next day or so and then close it off. Feel free to contribute to it and share with others launchgood.com/EmergencyFuner…
My hope is that we will raise funds to provide protective medical equipment to underfunded NYC hospitals next and I hope you all will join in that campaign as well.
Barakallahu feekum - may Allah bless each of you and your loved ones always and give you only the best in this world and in the next. Ameen.
